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AIN'T IT A GRAND AND GLORIOUS FEELING: CELEBRATING THE PRINCESS MUSICALS

Book by Cindy Polich
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by P.G. Woodhouse, Schuyler Green,
John E. Hazard, Elise Janis, Herbert Reynolds, Harry B. Smith, and R.P. Weston
Music Arrangements by Harrison Wade

June 2018

The seven Princess Musicals were written and produced between 1915 and 1918 specifically for the Princess Theater in New York City.  The Princess was a small theatre, requiring simpler, more intimate shows than were common during this "Ziegfeld" era.  Not only were the Princess Musicals written specifically for a smaller space, with believable stories that would resonate with the public, the shows were also designed to keep production costs low.  They became a turning point in the evolution of musical theatre, not only because of their structure, but also because the music and lyrics were largely written by Jerome Kern and P.G. Wodehouse.  There was much more to the Princess Musicals, however, than low-budget shows in a small setting.  The stories were simple and real. They were comedies, but the humor came from real-world situations.  Because they couldn't afford big stars or high production values, the shows relied on good story-telling and great music.  This original musical, featuring the music of Jerome Kern and his Princess Musicals collaborators, tells a story in much the same style, but with a modern twist. The songs may not exactly fit the sensibilities of today's young men and women, but the sentiments are timeless.   Surprisingly, we find that the age-old story of romance, love, and marriage hasn’t changed much in 100 years!

"I dare you to see the show and not be impressed . . . it's important that the music be excellent, and it really, truly is . . . a really witty and contemporary performance that I found just delightful." -Compendium

Twin Cities Stages

Cast and crew

Christine Wade as Jessica

Tim Beeckman-Davis as Michael

Carl Swanson as Matt

Abilene Olson as Ashley

Directed by Lindsay Fitzgerald

Stage Managed by Krin McMillen

Music Directed by Harrison Wade

Vocal Directed by Christine Wade

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